Tom recognized Quinn’s voice instantly.At this moment, he was completely stunned as though he had just been struck by lightning, and his entire body was frozen in place as he was unable to move.He really did not know that Charlie even knew Quinn.After all, he had never heard of the marriage contract between Quinn and Charlie when they were young.At this time, Charlie looked at Quinn, who was in the video, as he smiled and asked, “Why do you think that I’m the mastermind behind this matter?”Quinn smiled broadly as she said, “Although Tom Zielinski is indeed quite stupid, I think he should not be so stupid to that extent. Besides, Brother Charlie, I think you’re the only person that would be able to pull off such an evil prank. Anyone else would never have been able to think of such a damaging prank!”When Tom heard this, he instantly felt very sad, and he could not help but wail in his heart, ‘Am I really just a fool in Quinn’s mind?!’At this time, Charlie simply smiled cal
‘Could it be that she really does not want me to appear at her concert that badly?!’When Charlie heard Quinn’s request, he said with slight embarrassment, “Nana, I forgot to tell you just now that Tom Zielinski is right in front of me.”As he said that, he switched to the rear camera on his phone as he pointed the camera at Tom, who was kneeling on the ground.Quinn was indeed a little surprised for a moment when she saw Tom. After that, she then said, “Tom, since you’re here, I’ll not beat around the bush. I specially prepared my concert in Aurous Hill for Brother Charlie! Moreover, the day of my concert is also Brother Charlie’s birthday! I do not want any flaws in my concert, so I cannot accept your appearance at my concert! Before this, you used all kinds of connections, and it was very difficult for me to make things clear to you. Since everything is already out in the open now, I’ll not continue hiding the truth anymore. I’m sorry, then.”Tom instantly broke down emotionally
Carmen, who was far away in Eastcliff, had been silent all this while as she listened to the conversation over the phone. The more she listened, the more she felt sorry for Tom.Carmen also could not understand why Tom would end up being such a failure. After all, everything he had done was because he had wanted to pursue Quinn, but in the end, Quinn actually despised him to this extent.It would be fine if Quinn were to simply despise him, but since Tom had offended Charlie because of Quinn, the losses really outweighed the gains.At this time, Carmen also did not know how she should explain things to Zacheus. He was still waiting for her to save his son, but his son had actually been detained directly by her own nephew, and Zacheus would have to wait for at least three years before he would be able to see his son again.Just as Carmen was feeling extremely worried and frustrated over this matter, she suddenly received a prompt on her cell phone. It was an incoming phone call from
Zacheus ground his teeth and asked, “Then, what does he want before he will be willing to let Tom go?”Carmen hesitated for a moment before she said awkwardly, “Charlie said that he would let Tom work as a seaman on his ship for three years. Tom will not be allowed to leave the ship at all during these three years, let alone set foot on ground. He will only be able to regain his freedom after three years.”“F*ck!” Zacheus immediately burned with rage as he roared angrily, “Is this a f*cking joke? He wants my son to work as a seaman for him for three years?! Who does he think he is?! If he does not return my son to me today, I’ll make sure that he pays for it!”Carmen persuaded, “Zacheus, listen to my advice. Charlie is not someone you can afford to mess with. Even I cannot afford to offend him. If you offend him, he will deal with you arbitrarily. Even my father would not side with me at all. Now that Tom has already fallen into his hands, no one will be able to save him, including
Jeremiah’s words made Zacheus feel very unhappy deep inside his heart.In his opinion, Jeremiah was simply saying this because he was defending his grandson.The reason why Zacheus had looked for him was because he was hoping that Jeremiah would help him put in a good word in front of Charlie on his account to see if this matter could be reduced from a big problem to a small issue.However, he never would have dreamt that Jeremiah would tell him directly that he, Zacheus, would not be able to afford to offend his grandson?!Wasn’t he simply being a bully, then?!Jeremiah seemed to have guessed what Zacheus was thinking, and he said seriously, “Zacheus, I know that you must think that I’m simply protecting Charlie, but let me tell you the truth. Although Charlie is my grandson, you’d still be no match for Charlie. The entire Wade family and even I are not capable of interfering in this matter at all.”Zacheus naturally did not believe this. When he heard these words, he could not
He knew very well what kind of person Carmen was. If even Carmen had to suffer such hardship and grievance under Charlie’s hands, this was more than enough to prove that Charlie was not someone who would be easy to deal with. Moreover, he was probably a tough nut to crack!If even Carmen could not deal with him, it would certainly be very difficult for him too.When he heard Carmen crying over the other end of the line, he hurriedly said, “Carmen, why didn’t you tell me about all this earlier?”Carmen sighed and said helplessly, “What is the point of me telling you about it? Even I cannot afford to mess around with Charlie, so how can I possibly ask you to look for him and court your own death, then?”Zacheus said with some embarrassment, “You… No matter what it is, you’re still my woman. If you had said something, I'd definitely be willing to take all risks and go through thick and thin for you!”Carmen smiled and said, “I’m truly satisfied to know that you have this thought. How
Carmen naturally could not turn Zacheus’s request down after hearing his plea. So, she could only speak up, “Wait a moment. I’ll give Charlie a call and ask him about it.”Zacheus sighed slightly before he said dejectedly, “Alright, then. Thank you for the trouble, Carmen.”“No problem.” Carmen comforted him, “Zacheus, you don’t have to be so sad. In truth, I feel that Tom’s character is indeed a little too immature. So, it might not necessarily be a bad thing for him to put himself through the mill for three years. If you were to continue to allow him to continue hanging around in the entertainment industry like this, I’m afraid that it’d be even more difficult for him to achieve success in the future.”Zacheus said seriously, “Sigh. You’re right! I already asked him not to engage in this kind of hypocritical thing a long time ago, but that kid simply refused to listen to my advice. If he did not enter the entertainment industry, he naturally would not have gotten into such trouble
Carmen hurriedly said, “Don’t be in such a hurry. I’d like to trouble you with another matter. Tom’s father would like to talk to him on the phone. Do you think that it’d be convenient for you?”“Talk on the phone?” Charlie frowned before he glanced at Tom, who was kneeling on the ground in fear and trepidation, as he turned on the speaker directly and said, “How about this? Tell his father that he can talk to him over the phone, but he will only be able to talk to him for up to two minutes. Will that be fine?”“Yes.”Very soon, Zacheus, who had received Carmen’s reply, called Tom’s cell phone.After Charlie answered the call, he immediately turned on the speakerphone as he handed the cell phone over to Tom.Zacheus, who was on the other end of the line, asked tentatively, “Tom, are you there?”When Tom heard his father’s voice, he broke down emotionally as he cried and said, “Dad! Save me, Dad! There is a man here who wants to send me off to work as a crew member on a ship for t
Charlie shook his head. "It's alright, Dad. You can go ahead if you're busy—I can pick up Claire on my own.""No way!" Elaine promptly snapped. "It's been so long since she came back. We are all going to the airport!"Jacob sighed in exasperation. "Well, I'm sticking to my schedule—first the Calligraphy and Painting Association, then I'll be back an hour before to pick you guys up before going together to the airport."Elaine was left fuming. "Is there no getting through to you? You really have to go to that stupid association, don't you? Okay, fine. If you must go, I will be going with you!""You're their honored vice president who will be promoted to president soon, no? As Mrs. Vice President and the future Mrs. President, is there an issue if I went for a look?"Jacob shuddered at the thought of Elaine going to the Calligraphy and Painting Association as he absolutely didn't want her to humiliate him with her antics. People would talk, asking how a proper gentleman like him c
Jacob yawned, stretching his arms and smacking his cheeks, before finally retorting in contempt, "For Pete's sake, woman—don't make dissing me a habit. Or does it please you so much?"Elaine pursed her lips. "You call that dissing? It's all facts—do you think I don't know you? Tell me, what qualifications do you have? Your knowledge about calligraphy is skin-deep, and even the frauds working on Antique Street could beat you.""Only you would have the audacity to take the role of vice president at the Calligraphy and Painting Association—heaven's above, how blind is the president to appoint you as his second fiddle? Still, you'll be packing your things as soon as he realizes the truth.""Oh, Elaine, poor Elaine…" Jacob grinned smugly at her right then. "I'm afraid things won't go the way you want. Mr. Bay's been chasing a promotion lately, and once he gets it, I will take his place as president. That means I'll be the top dog instead of second fiddle!""Bullshit!" Elaine snapped in
Jacob slept in the next day while Elaine got out of bed past ten as well.However, in the case of the latter, she wasn't drunk and was simply watching livestreams and video clips on her phone—a hobby she had picked up recently.As for Charlie, he had initially planned to visit the Champs Elys hot spring villa and train Nanako in her Reiki control. However, since Claire would be arriving in the afternoon, he stayed home, planning to leave for the airport when it was time.Elaine appeared groggy as she emerged from the elevator, rubbing her eyes while holding her phone in the other hand.Seeing Charlie cleaning the living room, she asked in curiosity, "Not going out today, Charlie? Aren't you usually going out to meet clients?"Then, she became concerned in an instant, "Wait, don't tell me—the Feng Shui business is falling off? Are we going to be affected altogether?"Charlie laughed. "You're just getting paranoid now. Things are going fine—I'm just giving myself a day's leave.""
"Anyway, we have an issue," Helena continued. "Two days ago, Nvidia launched the B100 processor, their latest product, just two hours ago—a next-generation chip that will outperform our H100 considerably. I've instructed Harrison to pull some strings and preorder a batch from Nvidia before the B100 hits the market, at least ensuring that we can get our hands on 20,000 in the first quarter when the B100 circulates."Charlie asked, "What are Harrison's thoughts on the matter?" "Of course that old fox is going to be reluctant," Helena snorted. "But with the B100's processing strength outclassing the H100's, many AI institutions and multimedia giants are waiting with their wallets wide open. He's complaining that after pulling strings to get his hands on so many H100s, he is too embarrassed to do it again for the B100.""Bullshit," Charlie chuckled. "He's just not keen on us raising our prices after that previous agreement.""Exactly," Helena laughed as well. "He's about the shrewdest
By the time Jacob was sent home, he was almost passed out drunk.As Charlie took him off Walker's hands, Jacob's eyelids were but narrow slits.With his rough facial features, his flushed cheeks, and that strange smile of his, he looked just like those sleazy middle-aged men often seen in animated cartoons.Still, seeing that Charlie had come out of the house to get him, he chuckled drunkenly, "D-Dear boy… Your dad… was so amazing!"Charlie shook his head in exasperation. "You're drunk, Dad—get some rest already. Otherwise, you might wake Mom up and get an earful for this.""Earful?" Jacob's eyes widened ferociously as he snorted, "S-She'd never dare!"Charlie chuckled as he said quietly, "Come on, keep it down—Elaine is plenty daring. And in your state, you stand no chance if she starts to beat you."Despite being drunk a second ago, Jacob suddenly shuddered from the shiver running down his spine, and he promptly corrected himself, "A gentleman… never lays a hand on a woman! T-
Naturally, neither Mr. Bay nor Hal argued with this, thus following Albert and Jacob to the Diamond Room—the grandest room of Heaven Springs.After Albert led the trio there and smiled, "Gentlemen, if you would please take your seats, my people will be delivering Big Red Robe tea and our menu to your table shortly. I've spoken to the kitchen as well, and they will be preparing appetizers first. Please feel free to enjoy a game of poker until everyone arrives, and the main courses will be delivered right away."His arrangement was utterly detailed, and the trio were awash with gratitude.Hal and Mr. Bay especially were looking upon Jacob worshipfully, as if he was an unassuming bigwig on Charlie's level.Soon, as the invited guests arrived, Albert personally brought two bottles of 3-liter Moutai that cost an arm and leg to the Diamond Room.For politeness's sake, Hal ordered two more bottles of one-liter Moutai, meaning that it was one liter for the eight persons in attendance.Th
Don Albert was waiting at the front doors of Heaven Springs when Jacob's Cullinan arrived.He was absolutely enthusiastic in welcoming the man, even stroking his ego as much as possible as he knew Jacob and his vanity—which made that a must.Hence, as soon as Jacob stopped the Cullinan, Don Albert and the manager of Heaven Springs were immediately on hand to receive him.Mr. Bay was riding shotgun but recognized Albert right away, exclaiming, "Shit, he's coming personally to receive you too?"Jacob chuckled. "Well, he and my son-in-law have a lot of respect for each other, so I guess that respect is extended to us as well."As they spoke, Albert had reached the Cullinan and opened the door for Albert, nodding at him respectfully, "Greetings, Mr. Wilson. You can leave the keys with Mr. Carson while I escort you and your friend upstairs.""Thank you very much." Jacob grinned and turned to Mr. Bay. "Come on. Let's go.""Yes, yes, of course!" Mr. Bay smiled and nodded, a little nerv
Mr. Bay's friend promptly asked, "Was it the manager, Mr. Carson?""Nope," Mr. Bay chuckled. "Guess again.""Oh, come on!" Mr. Bay's friend whined. "You're still telling me to guess now? Just so you know, those bigwigs were so pleased when I told them we'd have the Golden Room and said they'd be bringing their cards. I'd be laughed at if I didn't give them the details right now!"Mr. Bay laughed. "Alright, alright, I'll quit being mysterious—it's Jacob Wilson, my vice president. He contacted Don Albert of Heaven Springs personally, and the man promised you the Diamond Room and the finest wines of his cellar!""Holy shit!" Mr. Bay's friend gasped. "Mr. Wilson did? For real?! And the Diamond Room on top of that?!""Indeed," Mr. Bay nodded. "And you know me. Would I kid when it comes to such matters?"Mr. Bay's friend breathed a long sigh as if he had just cheated death. "Heavens… Thank you so much, my friend! You've really saved my skin there! You have no idea how much persuasion t
Jacob wasn't really concerned with the invitation. He wouldn't be going anyway, and he wouldn't tell Elaine about it.Right now, he had a question.After hanging up on Walker, he asked curiously, "A designated driver would be just a few dozen bucks at most. Why get Walker?"Mr. Bay sighed meaningfully. "Jacob, my boy—it's not just my job description you must handle when you succeed me. You must understand the unspoken rules of the workplace as well as interpersonal relationships."Raising his right index finger, he chuckled, "Earning the loyalty of subordinates is a science. But it has to be a carrot and stick—never just the carrot, while offering them chances to be of service.""Take Walker, for example. As his boss, buying him lunch is 5 points. Ask for a favor, but it's 50 points instead!""As a leader, you should also make sure to give requests that are reasonable. That way, they will consider you to be their ally, or soon enough.""People are strange that way—psychology sim